The Delaware Valley Journal is pleased to announce the winner of our Santa’s Biggest Lil’ Helper Contest: Margot Johnson and Cackie Martin.
The two Radnor High School students founded a club for the Travis Manion Foundation at their school.
The Bucks County-based Travis Manion Foundation, which helps veterans and families of the fallen with leadership programs, will receive a $1,000 donation from DVJournal on behalf of the two volunteers.
After learning they had won the DVJ’s contest, Margot, 15, and Cackie, 17, issued this statement:
“We’re grateful to the Delaware Valley Journal for its $1,000 contribution to Travis Manion Foundation. Since its inception, Radnor’s TMF chapter has been involved in laying wreaths and raising funds for Wreaths Across America for our veterans at Calvary Cemetery and the collection of essential goods for the Afghan Resettlement effort in our area.
“We’re looking forward to working to develop meaningful connections between Radnor High School students and veterans and their families in our community. DVJ’s contribution will help in our mission to build a community that empowers veterans to pass their leadership and values to the next generation,” the volunteers said.
According to its website, the inspiration for the foundation comes from its namesake, 1stLt Travis Manion, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and died in 2007 in Iraq while protecting the other members of his patrol.
Travis Manion’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery.
The “TMF carries on the legacy of selfless service and leadership embodied by Travis and all those who have served, or continue to serve, our nation,” the website said.
Ryan Manion, president of the Travis Manion Foundation told DVJournal the effort by these Radnor students is an example to others.
“Margot and Cackie are amazing young women whose drive and initiative serve as a powerful example of how to live with character by putting the interests of others before oneself,” Manion said. “Their commitment to service truly demonstrates what it means to live the ‘If Not Me, Then Who…’ ethos and they are challenging their peers to do the same.
“We are very proud of their efforts and look forward to supporting the Travis Manion Foundation Club at Radnor High School as it continues to expand and leave a lasting impact on our community,” Manion said.
Thank you from DVJournal to all of our other Santa’s Biggest Lil’ Helper entrants. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
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